Certainly there are many ups and downs in our Christian walk. Sometimes we don't even know where we stand. Some are honest and admit to it, and others prefer to continue the facade and the lies, even though they have nothing inside. What are we afraid of? Or...Who are we afraid of? Isn't this about being in peace with God? What does it matter if we lose our reputation of strength and faith? But it matters, doesn't it? It is important to keep the "image" of super christians or we are literally done. People will look at us and say, "poor thing, he/she lost it". In the meantime, we are dying inside, not being able to confide in others, because we don't want to create doubt in anybody; because the truth is, we DO make sense in the midst of the struggle. Boy, do we get tired of those that look down on us when we are at our weakest. That is why we continue to press on, perpetuating a image of strength that has been long gone, just to help others out of their own desperation pit. Let's face it, we can't do that if they don't trust us. Christians rather be prayed by those who give the impression of being strong and "spiritual" than go to their everyday christian man or woman that has used every bit of strength to keep believing regardless of their weaknesses.
Men following men. It happened in Jesus' time and continues today. Men giving glory to each other; again then and certainly now; ministers walking around in their expensive suits thinking they are all that, with their own little cliques. But isn't that the ways of the world? In John 5:41, 42, 44, Jesus said "I do not accept praise from men, but I know you....How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? When someone truly believes in God, the first and foremost desire is to please God. It doesn't matter what type of service you are providing, it is important that we keep our place.
